Columns
Inland Art: Marrying mediums, Qingjun Huang and Liu Yang creating happily ever after
by Lisa Nelson Raabe • • 0 Comments
Two talented photographers from China, husband and wife Qingjun Huang and Liu Yang, arrived in Peoria in March 2022. Finding Peoria a very livable city, they are building their artistic connections in the U.S. from here. This fall their…
Heat waves — in red & black | Danger zone: Will Greenland, West Antarctic ice sheets collapse?
by William Rau • • 1 Comment
Climate scientists lose sleep over tipping points, temperature thresholds when crossed initiate self-sustaining, irreversible, and massively-destructive changes in natural systems, such as glaciers and forests. Countless living things will face untimely and unnatural deaths if these systems collapse. New…
Serendipity | Be thankful today, without delay
by Sandra Dempsey Post • • 1 Comment
People seem divided by possessions. From savers and keepers to “send it on, I’m done with it” to “it’s here somewhere, not sure where.” Genetics may play a role, but there are concessions regardless. I’m in the first group,…
Nature Rambles | Stage set for sassy scenery: Sassafras leaves harbinger for spectacular fall
by Mike Miller • • 2 Comments
Fall color has definitely been spectacular this year along the bluffs of the Illinois River. There is really never a year that has dreadful fall color. It is just some years stand out from others. This year, we…
Letter to the editor: Ester Joy King, Eric Sorenson skirt issues
by Community Word Staff • • 0 Comments
I went to the “debate” between Esther Joy King and Eric Sorenson at Bradley on October 3. I regret doing that. I could have stayed home and watched mindless drivel on TV without wasting gas to attend a live event…
The Lion’s Den: Sweet sounds of Jazz stir heart, mind, soul
by Daniel McCloud • • 0 Comments
“Jazz is the big brother of Revolution. Revolution follows it around,” — Miles Davis Following the end of the Civil War, as Black music continued to evolve, transitioning from the spirituals, blues, and gospel music, a new, freer, unencumbered…
The Watch: Social equity pot dispensaries under review; rail line gets funds; booths, ballots ready for big day
by Terry Bibo • • 0 Comments
Cannabis, trains and upcoming budgets dominate government agendas this fall. Peoria City Council On Aug. 23, councilors reviewed an ordinance about recreational cannabis businesses. Changes relate to social equity applicants, meaning those who have convictions for cannabis possession and…
West Peoria News: Fall back, look forward to November events
by Sharon McBride • • 0 Comments
It is time to change your clocks to regular time on Nov. 7 from Daylight Savings time to regular time. Set your clocks back one hour. The consolidated elections for the City of West Peoria fall on April 4, 2023.…
Straight Talk: School/Teacher negotiations are on a need-to-know basis
by Roger Monroe • • 0 Comments
The good news is the Peoria Federation of Teachers reached agreement on a new three-year contract with the Peoria School District. Unfortunately, it took months of negotiations, a federal mediator, and the threat of a strike. Once again both sides…